DMK President M. Karunanidhi was on Monday fighting a grim battle for life as his health detrated, sparking concerns among DMK workers and well-wishers who started thronging the hospital where he has been warded for the last 10 days.

Doctors said the 94-year-old former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's response to medical intervention over the next 24 hours would determine the prognosis.

"There has been a decline in the medical condition of Karunanidhi. Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age related ailments," said a statement from Kauvery Hospital.

A large number of DMK cadres and supporters gathered outside the hospital soon after it issued a medical bulletin at 6.30 p.m. announcing that there was a decline in his medical condition.

“Maintaining his vital organ functions continues to remain a challenge considering his age-related ailments. He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. His response to the medical intervention over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis,” Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, executive director of Kauvery Hospital said in the bulletin.

Earlier, his wife Dayalu Ammal, suffering from memory loss and confined to her Gopalapuram house, visited the hospital for the first time since Mr. Karunanidhi was admitted.

Mr. Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital following a drop in his blood pressure in the early hours of July 28. Since then the five-time Chief Minister's medical status has gone through ups and downs. After a setback on July 29, he continues to be hospitalized for an extended period due to age-related ailments, and is under "active medical support".

A spate of visitors has seen the 94-year-old leader during the past few days, including the President of India Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Actor-turned-politicians Kamal Haasan and Rajnikanth and actors Vijay and Ajith, also visited the hospital.